VALLEY STREAM, NY — Former Kansas City Chief running back Woodrow “Woody” Green recently underwent total knee replacement surgery, thanks to Franklin Hospital in Valley Stream, NY, and a medical resource program for retired NFL players called PAST (Pain Alternatives Solutions and Treatments).
 
PAST and Franklin Hospital are teaming up to provide state-of-the-art clinical services to retired players who are in medical crisis and unable to afford clinical care for injuries or chronic pain suffered as a result of their time in the NFL.

A first-round draft pick out of Arizona State University in 1974, Mr. Green waited for medical aid while suffering acute chronic pain due to degenerative arthritis stemming from an injury he sustained with the Chiefs in 1976 – his last year in the NFL. The injury progressed into severe knee deformity and inhibited his motion. After seeking help from PAST, he received numerous pro bono pain management procedures to treat his chronic pain and the injury that had disabled him from walking.

“Woody had no other options,” said Giles R. Scuderi, MD, attending orthopedic surgeon at Franklin Hospital, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. “The extreme misalignment of his knee, in combination with severe arthritis and an amount of bone loss that required treatment, meant that he needed to undergo a total knee replacement if he was ever going to regain some of his lost motion or be free of pain, discomfort and disability.”

Dr. Scuderi, whose practice focuses on adult knee reconstruction and sports medicine, skillfully corrected and rebuilt Mr. Green’s entire knee joint, with the support of Franklin’s team of nurses, physical therapists and surgical staff. For the first time in years, Mr. Green’s knee was straight and his prior pain had disappeared. “I was excited when he walked into my office on his first post-operative visit, telling me he hasn’t felt this good in years,” said Dr. Scuderi. The complicated surgery and recovery were successful, and full rehabilitation services were provided by the Orzac Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation (CECR), located next to the hospital.

“It is a miracle what PAST has done for me and so many other retired players with nowhere else to turn,” said Mr. Green, who was pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on November 18, 1974. “They flew me to their facilities, arranged my treatment, provided pain management procedures and, thanks to Franklin and Dr. Scuderi, gave me the new knee I have been longing for. The staff was incredible—they were by my side through my entire two week stay. I am so happy and grateful for all that has been done for me, and that I’ve been allowed to resume a more active lifestyle.”

Mr. Green is one of many retired football players cared for by PAST, an independent medical organization that provides evaluations and services to retired NFL players, including those who lack health insurance, with a special focus on managing chronic pain. PAST’s program is unique because its doors are open to all retired football players, eliminating the wait or need for third-party organizations to coordinate care and allowing a direct relationship among health facilities, staff and retired players. PAST is affiliated with a nationwide network of physicians, pain management programs and specialized medical facilities.

Mr. Green was cared for in Franklin’s Center for Surgical Specialties, a 29-bed unit that houses the North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Institute for Orthopedic Science. The center combines the orthopedic programs of several facilities that provide state-of-the-art care for the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders along a complete continuum of care, from diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation. The unit, designed to help patients regain mobility and return to active, independent lives, also features an adjoining entrance to the Orzac CECR, where Mr. Green recovered for two weeks after his surgery.

“Mr. Green received intensive physical and occupational therapy, and was discharged with terrific range of motion in his knee,” said Barbara Southard, deputy executive director of the Orzac CECR, a 120-bed facility that eases the transition of care for patients who require long-term or rehabilitative services. “All of our programs work in synch,” said Alex Hellinger, DPT, associate executive director of Franklin Hospital, “and the staff works together to create a seamless continuum of care.”
 
  “We were given the unique opportunity to offer top-notch services to underprivileged individuals,” said Joe Manopella, executive director of Franklin Hospital. “Developing a working relationship with PAST has allowed the medical, surgical and rehabilitative staff of Franklin Hospital to communicate their expertise on a national level.” People from around the country came together and were personally involved in Mr. Green’s care, offering hope to athletes who suffer from long-term injuries or pain that they can receive life-improving care.”

“The experience of working with Franklin Hospital was extremely rewarding,” said Greg Marotta, executive director of PAST. “It was truly impressive to witness, first hand, the dedication and treatment given to Woody's case from such a distinguished group of medical professionals, and we are honored to have teamed with them. We look forward to continuing collaboration with such a well respected institution to improve the quality of life for the many retired NFL players we care for.”

For more information, call Franklin Hospital’s Orthopedic Department at (516) 256-6784 (ORTHO); or the Orzac CECR at (516) 256-6700.

Media Contact:
Kristen Longo/Brian Mulligan
North Shore-LIJ/516-465-2600
klongo@nshs.edu/bmulliga@nshs.edu

Jennifer Smith, PAST
920-819-1560/pastmedical@aol.com